Reviews (84)

Author's reply

Oh, my sistah in the wood, Do not blame yourself for the aewbas feast! Some liberties are taken by elflings...and full-grown males! without a Queen's consent. What is an elleth to do? How fair you did look as you descended the great steps like a breath of fresh air carrying the sweet fragrance of a flower in full bloom. Ah, I saw the look in Thranduil's eyes! The gray areas...it 'is' difficult even for adults to understand the convoluted actions and thought processes of mortal man. How much simplier life would be if everything were black and white, understandable and easily predicted? But then, how dull and without growth we would all be. Thank you for the compliment for how it was handled. Your input as always helps me sort out which way is up! I hope the pigeon will be able to make a few more trips...poor dear. I think Thranduil should give the little waif a nice straw bed, an aewbas pension, and let the haggard one retire. Thanks for the review, sweet sistah. Kaladriel

Author's reply

Hi Firnsarnien, Goodness, I wouldn't leave the poor little elflings out on a limb! I got in a time crunch and just couldn't seem to get this chapter to postable form. I think Daeron was a little overwhelmed by all that's happened and not quite mature enough to sort it all out. And you're right; he wanted to be left alone and to be comforted all at the same time. Seregon is learning about himself, too. I don't think he's been able to be very available for his younger brother. He's carried a lot of guilt about his adar's death and through no fault of Daeron's, Seregon looked at him and was remined of his father's sacrifice. Their relationship has been uneasy at best. Almost losing the littel squirt has made Seregon re-evaluate his own feelings, I think. Before you go hating your own brothers for being such...well, brothers...remember the age difference in these 'older' brothers and the elflings. Seregon and Aldamir especially are a lot older. Their relationships are more adult-like than mine or your brothers. We've had to put up with the growing up years! :>) Poor Erelas. Don't worry, the healers assure me that he'll be fine. He just needs a little time to recover. I'm sure there are a few little guys around the palace who will gladly entertain him during his convalescence. I imagine Legolas has had his moments of delayed stress, too. I think he would have kept it to his bedchambers, too. In my mind, one of the reasons Thranduil 'knew' Daeron would be needing to talk about this, was that he had already held a disturbed little blond in his lap and listened as he poured out his heart. I'm not sure Legolas and Daeron would 'break down' in front of each other or in the presence of anyone but Adar or Seregon. You know how guys are. And Daeron knows better than to give Legolas any ammunition...don't forget the dining room spider episode. :>)For right now, I'll let you use your imagination for Legolas's little breakdown. I'm sure it would better than mine anyway. You NEVER blab! I love your reviews. They're so much fun for me to read. I can't tell you how much I appreciate them. And yes, there will be at least one more chapter. I've still got to explain those mysterious men. I hope you'll stay with me. Thanks again. Karen

Author's reply

Hi Nilmandra, I think the little ones have rarely thought their older brothers were ever young enough to get into a little trouble of their own. I imagine they all put in their fair share of laundry duty, too. Morwen is the main attraction there. Thranduil is wise in sending his troublesome offspring and nephews to her. She knows the history of 'why and where' and imparts a love of the Greenwoods that only she can share. Daeron and Seregon have both come to view each other in a new light. Seregon carries a lot of guilt, I think, and Daeron has been too young to know the truth about their ada until now. They have met on the common ground of where their lives and love intersects. And yes, Seregon would place himself between Daeron and anything or anyone who sought to harm him. We even see the beginning of such understanding of what Daeron would do in a similiar situation, too. No, I don't think we'll see any lessons in death. I learned my lesson when that sneaky minstrel tried to kill off Eilian. The village uprising was more than difficult to put down that time! If it had not been for you, my sweet, adorable child, staying her hand, we would all still be in mourning. Thanks for reviewing. I always love to hear from you. Karen

Author's reply

Hi Kitt, The coming of the Sindar to the Silvan Elves 'is' an interesting point to ponder. Meckinock and I have batted around this problem for some time and we, being the ornery old cusses we are, cannot see the Sindar just riding in like the cavalry and saying to these proud, independent Silvan Elves, "Hey! The superior Elves are here now, so we'll just take over." There had to be some logical explanation for why the Silvan folk would accept the Sindar as rulers. The best I could come up with was that it was the decision of the Silvans themselves to make Oropher king. I think you should write your story! Inquiring minds (me!) want to know what you think happened. I'd love to read it. Since it's a fill-in-the-blank story that Tolkien did not delve into, you can't get it wrong! Daeron is just beginning to stick his big toe over the threshold of leaving the complete innocence of early childhood. Learning how the world works still shocks me most days. But he and Daeron have some very good help in getting through the next rocky stages of growing up. And even Seregon made some important discoveries. (You have to discern his from his behavior since Daeron really can't tell us what's going on in his brother's head. :>) I really like Seregon. He's had a lot to work through himself. He and Daeron will come out much stronger from all this. Thanks again, Kitt. Karen

Author's reply

Gosh, thank you, Bodkin. I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter. It took me a little longer to get it up than I had planned, so I'm grateful anyone remembers it! One of my favorite places was when Erelas admitted, without really admitting it, that he had 'done time' in the laundry, too. I think Thranduil was wise in his choice of consequences for his sons and nephews. I think Morwen is the reason he sends errant little princes over there. She is living history. Thank you again for reading and reviewing. Karen

Author's reply

Hi daw, Doesn't this seem weird? Our roles have reversed. I'm glad you were pleased to see that Daeron has a few loose ends to tie up and joined him. He has learned a few things on his journey, or at least, I hope the rascal has learned something. Seregon is coming to terms with some of his inner demons, too. He and Daeron are learning to truly be brothers. The parent-child bond is interesting. You made some very good points and your thinking is very similar to mine. I think Daeron 'is' connected to his adar, but he simply doesn't know how to find it. I was also thinking that because he doesn't remember his adar, he can't connect to how to recognize that it has always been with him. He just doesn't know what it is. In my mind's eye, I see Tarondor knowing his connection to his wife and sons very strongly, and he knows Daeron has no memories to recognize his bond with him, so I think he's constantly trying to figure out how to get Daeron's attention. IMO, when Daeron gets a little older, he'll suddenly realize that his adar has always been with him. Thanks, daw, for your review. I appreciate you taking the time to read and leave a review. It's always a treat for me to hear from you. Karen

Author's reply

My sweet elfling, Fear not! You have not been remiss. While one is away on a mission for Her Majesty, one cannot be expected the find a carrier pigeon sitting by the road. As always, though, my dear child, your presence in my court is as the first flower of spring. ALas! We shall not mention this to my sister, but I found the good king to be quite hot in his warrior grab...and I don't mean 'he' got overheated. :>) I do not see Thranduil sitting in the palace awaiting news when two of the brood are missing. I imagine a most testy group of warriors combing the forest in search of two elflings, too. The brothers were not to be trifled with at that point either. I guess you could say they were all pretty hot. :>) I have to admit, it is difficult to explain those gray areas. I don't think any of us ever completely understand them; we just make peace with them the best we can. And whatever the male Elves didn't 'get' about the whole episode, the Queen will be sure to explain it to them! Don't ya love her! Thank you, sweet elfling, for searching high and low until you found this pigeon. His feathers are a little...frayed, but he did the job. (I hope he was on sale.) All my love and really...thank you for reading and reviewing. You always brighten my day! Kaladriel

Author's reply

Thank you Jaylen, I'm so pleased that you're enjoying this story. I've had a great time writing in first person. It's really Daeron's story, and I've more or less, just let him tell it. :>) It won't be long until I update. The next chapter has gone to one of my betas. I have two wonderful helpers. One is the plot hole detective, and the other is the comma patrol--though sometimes their duties overlap. You see, I have comma-itis and can single-handedly construct a plot hole that you could drive a Mack truck through. As soon as they give me the go-ahead, I'll post chapter 6. Thanks again for reading and taking time to review. I truly appreciate your comments. Karen

Author's reply

Thank you Elliska, I hope to get another chapter up soon, too. I'm a little behind due to spring break. I just 'had' to spend a week at the beach attending my youngest son's baseball tournament. One game per day and the rest of the time...outlets! and seafood! and reading! and napping! I'm so pleased that you're enjoying the tale. I promise to get the next chapter finished as quickly as possible. Thanks again, Karen

Author's reply

Hi Kitt, Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. I was out of town for spring break and zipped back in yesterday in time to cook dinner for all my family for Easter. Whew! The dishes are done, and the folks have scattered. I'm glad you like the 'warrior' Thranduil. I imagine he is as at home with a sword in his hand as he is with a crown on his head. However, it's rare that anyone sees that side of him now. In my mind, Thranduil does everything with a vengeance. He is totally focused on whatever he is engaged in at the time. He rules, loves and protects completely in the moment and gives what is required of him. I loved the idea of him not being content to wait at the palace when his child and his nephew are in danger. He expects nothing of his warriors that he would not be willing to do himself. Tolkien described him as 'the greatest of all Elven kings' and that, to me, is pretty lofty praise. For him to be so regarded, it seems that he must be well loved and respected by his people. And as Daeron observed, he is as complicated as the strange men. I had to smile at your confession that you love honey roasted oats. Me,too. However, Daeron and Legolas just might have to rethink their cravings. I imagine that the memory of those tummy aches will linger for a while. Thanks, Kitt, for your review and reading. I hope to get the next chapter up before we are all too old and senile to recall where Mirkwood is. :>) Karen

Author's reply

Lamiel, Thank you for such kind words. Daeron has been a tremendous amount of fun for me to write. I get to let him 'think' all the snarky little things many of us would like to say out loud if we didn't fear being considered socially unacceptable. He's a good kid. Unfortunately, he's a mischief magnet...an innocent one, but still, he attracts trouble like dust to a TV screen. Thanks for reviewing. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the tale. :>) Karen

Author's reply

Hi Hisie Lome, I'm so sorry your post didn't take. Not only is it kind of you to do the whole thing again, but it's evidence of what a trooper you are! Be careful, Aldamir will want to recruit you! :>) Legolas and Daeron are still so young, they really don't have a clear picture of what it takes to be a warrior. I think if you asked any relatively normal 10 to 11 year-old kid what a soldier does, he would have a very vague idea. 'They shoot bad people.' I think Elven children have a bit of a head start on human kids in that they have lived two and a half times the number of years a human child of equivalent age has, but they are still children to their people. I think they would have a keener grasp on things due to their life experiences, but they are still only capable of thinking in age appropriate ways for the most part. The little guys in this story have been sheltered, too. They've never seen a battle or a warrior in true form. It was an eye-opening experience for them. You really were paying attention! What a good observation about the issue of shock. The elflings were frightened but they had not been mistreated by the men. They had eaten, though it had been small amounts, and they had been given water to drink. Being Elves, they could probably go without food or water slightly longer than a human child, but given the relatively short time they were with the men...around 24 hours...they were not dehydrated...thirsty, yes...but not in danger from lack of fluid or food. They were not physically harmed, just tired from the hard pace the men set. They were traumatized to some degree by seeing the men die, but they had a rudimentary understanding of the necessity of the men's death. I don't think they ever questioned that. They did however have trouble understanding how people who seemed as if they could have been good people could do bad things. To them, at their age, their world had been a bit more black and white...bad people do bad things. So what happens when someone does not fit that definition? This is what they were exploring...the gray areas. So, I think the shock was more of an upsetting of their world view than a physical reaction. I think, under the circumstances, they handed the whole episode quite well. Even up until the time the Elven troops arrived, they were trying to find a way to aid any rescue that might be mounted (drawing sticks to see who would pretend sick). I don't think 'survivor guilt' would have been an issue for them. They 'knew' the men were wrong to take them and to be trespassing in Thranduil's realm. They did not belong to this group or identify with the them. They would not have seen their survival of the group in the same sense that one would survive a group of peers and wonder why they had survived when their friends had perished. They would not have suffered the 'Stockholm Syndrome'where they identified with their captors. While they were confused by the kindness the men showed them, they knew the men were not their friends, and they did not want to go with them. They wanted to go home. If you know what a Palmetto bug is, then you must be a resident of the fair Southland. I'm no fan of a spider, but Palmetto bugs!... When a bug gets big enough to put a saddle on it and ride, it has long left my definition of innocuous. And that clicking noise they make...yuk! I think by the time the little guys got to the Elven junk food, they were not anywhere near thinking about Thranduil's punishment or the fact had disobeyed. That will come later when things have settled down enough for them to recall how they got into this mess to start with. You've got that nana 'attitude' (nanatude?) down pat! Lalaith might wish to borrow your lines in the future! They were great. Thanks for being such a good reader and reviewer. You really picked up on some very good points. I hope I've answered your questions. If not, let me know. I'll try again. Thanks again. I really enjoyed your note and responding to it. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the tale. Karen

Author's reply

Thanks, Celeb, I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter. It was a bit more sober than the previous ones...until the little guys got into the aewbas. Funny how a little sneaky unauthorized food consumption can lift a kid's spririt. I'm glad you 'like' Aldamir. All the older brothers (in my mind anyway) are pretty hot elves. But that thought would come even more difficult to Daeron than seeing his brother as a fierce warrior. I remember when my brother got married, and it was beyond me what my future sister-in-law saw in him. I can see it now...he's a great guy, but then...he was just a pain. Daeron is a bit too young to appreciate the better qualities of older brothers/cousins who often serve as a source of discipline. Of course, in the aftermath of having been kidnaped, the little guys were more than grateful to have such strong competent older brothers. I think Thranduil, his older sons, and his oldest nephew have enough sense to know that when the Queen speaks, they should pay attention. I'm sure you've heard the old saying..."If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." I'm certain Thranduil has ways to make amends with his lady wife. :>) Thanks again, Celeb, for reading and reviewing. Your support has been wonderful, and you deserve all the credit for naming the field 'bird food'. Thanks, Karen

Author's reply

Hi Nilmandra, I was glad to get the little guys back into the safe arms of their big brothers, too. I was really glad when Thranduil showed up! Poor Legolas didn't think he would ever see his ada and nana again. Daeron is just beginning to understand the world and his older relatives. I do think he has the capacity for insight into himself, but he's young yet and likely to wander off the straight path from time to time. I still think he's sincere. And he's just seen his brother in a whole new light. He has a new hero. Seregon has also had an awakening, and I think he will be a much more 'available' big brother now. I think Lalaith has a strong hand in her relationship with the king. He's such a forceful personality that I think it would take a very strong female to not be overshadowed. That, I think, makes them equals in every way. But I don't see their relationship as stormy. There is a great deal of love and respect. AND the king is smart enough to know when he's in trouble! A good husband always knows who is the final word where the elflings are concerned! Thanks, Nilmandra. I always enjoy your reviews. :>) Karen

Author's reply

Hi Sametu9, I'm speechless...or is that fingerless? I'm just blown away by your very generous review. I'm so glad you came out of the woodwork and left a review. You've really made my day! Okay, my year. Daeron is a lovable little squirt to me, but I wasn't sure how he would go over since he is an original character. I've been very surprised and very pleased that people have read it. Reviews like yours make it all worthwhile. To think Daeron got a confirmed 'lurker' to come out and play with us...well, I won't sleep a wink tonight, I'm so excited! Welcome! Welcome! And thank you! Thank you! I'm so glad you like the characterizations of Legolas and Thranduil. Of course, we know Tolkien's Legolas as an adult. And Thranduil's appearances in 'The Hobbit' were rather limited, but there was enough to give us an idea about him. I'd say most readers have already formed a picture of who they are, and for me to be able to give you expanded characterizations of them and you to find them credible, is such a wonderful compliment. Thank you again for reading and taking the time to review. I just can't get over it. What a special review! :>) Karen

Author's reply

Hi mistry89, Everyone 'has' managed to get into their share of trouble so far. I don't think Legolas and Daeron will be quite so anxious to be in the thick of things again for a while. Of course, I don't guess they meant to be in the middle of an abduction at any time. I'd say they got more than they bargained for. Erelas is a comfort figure for Legolas, I think. I don't think Legolas looked on Aldamir in that way until this episode. Who knows what might happen in the future, but at this point, I think Legolas just wanted his ada and brothers together where he could see them. However...you're giving me ideas! I'm so glad that you're enjoying this tale. I had a great deal of fun listening to Daeron tell his story. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to review. Thank you! Karen

Author's reply

Meckinock, Elven junk food! I don't think that was what it was supposed to be, but it sure turned out that way. Too much of a good thing.... That horse was really a pretty cool steed to hitch a ride on. He's probably not nearly as scary as Daeron sees him. After all, Seregon jumped right on, too. But to Daeron, he was the biggest, most beautiful, and most awesome horse he had even ridden. And Ohtar smiled! I'd say the big guys were a bit apprehensive as to what the Queen would have to say when she returned. Poor Thranduil. I can just hear Lalaith explaining all about 'how to pay proper attention' to what elflings are wolfing down. But I think the Queen would have to agree with you about Thranduil in his warrior duds. I'm sure he was compensated handsomely for bringing home her baby and nephew. Thanks for everything, Ranger. You're a good egg. Karen

Author's reply

Hey daw, I think it's very easy for us to be surprised by the competence of someone we know only as a family member when we finally see them in action. I've never seen my husband try a case (He doesn't do trial work anymore and when he did, I was not allowed anywhere near the courthouse), and I've seen very little of him in dealing with clients at all. I'm sure I'd be impressed. It's not the same as sitting at the dinner table listening to him talk baseball with our guys. I think it was quite an eye opener for Legolas and Daeron. They just thought they knew what their brothers did. And Thranduil as a warrior! That just boggles the mind. The whole death scene explanation took me a while, but I had excellent expert help in explaining to me what really goes on in the heads of the rescue team in a real hostage situation. It was a fascinating discussion. I wanted to moralize it, and that is simply not an issue for the rescuers. They have only one objective--to rescue the hostages safely. Nothing else matters. It took me a while to grasp that. (We also decided that there was no Civil Rights Division at the Mirkwood Department of Justice. That gave me a little more room to fudge the situation.) Who knew the elflings would see the Celegbas like a free-for-all cotton candy fest? Poor elfings. Poor Thranduil! Thanks again for reading and reviewing. It's always a treat for me to get a note from you. Karen

Author's reply

Firnsarnien, What a great review! I'm glad I made you smile, because you certainly put a silly grin on my face! Crumbs! Anyone who has spent any time around a bunch of rug rats has had to duck and take cover when the crumbs fly! Happy little munchers. What a great time in life when such simple pleasures can bring such delight...and stomach aches! I've grown rather fond of the 'dull' older brothers, too. I think Aldamir and Seregon have been busy being warriors and are so much older than the little guys that they've not related to Legolas and Daeron quite as well as Erelas. BUT...the older brothers are very protective of their younger siblings, and I think this little episode scared them half to death. As much as Legolas and Daeron need to be physically close to their brothers, the older guys need to have their hands on the little guys, too. It worked out well...everybody got to be all cuddly. It never occurred to the adults that the elflings would see the Celegbas as inviting as a 10-pound bag of M&Ms. And the adults were all males. Clueless, completely clueless. You've got some good suggestions for tormenting our poor little elflings. They'll have some things to work through. I've written the next chapter, but I've got to do some rewrites...plump it up. My time is so limited this week, and next week I'll be sitting in the sun (I hope) at the beach. (High school baseball tournament all week, but I have to only go to one game per day and then I'm free!) I hope to get some work done on it and after running it by my kind and much put-upon beta readers, I'll get it up soon. Thanks again, for such a wonderful review. I just love your reviews! So much fun! Karen

Author's reply

Hi Firnsarnien, Wow! What a nice review! Thanks! You've really made my day. I'm glad you like this chapter. Daeron is only slightly older than Legolas, but I think he feels a bit of responsiblity for his younger cousin. Though I also think Legolas would feel just as responsible for Daeron if the roles had been reversed. They've grown up together and see each other more as siblings than cousins. The whole episode has left both elfling pondering the nature of good and evil. Daeron stabbing the man may have been reflex, but I think he'll have to come to terms with what happened. Both little guys got a glimpse into the life of a warrior they had never considered. The immortality of the Elves make an interesting study into the nature of sibling relationships. The older brothers are both old enough to the fathers of the little ones, but they're not. I do think that when siblings are that much older, there is a fine line between sibling and parental figure. However, I don't think the older brothers cross that line, but they would assume something more of a parental role if they were in charge of the elflings. I also think the older brothers adore the little ones. Seregon especially has had difficulty showing Daeron how much he means to him. And Daeron has delighted in tormenting Seregon. This kidnapping has given them both cause to reconsider their relationship. However, loving each has never been a problem. Showing it has been another story. Maybe we'll see them begin to work things out. :>) But, I agree with you. I think the strong loving family was very much a part of Tolkien's intent for the Elves. You're not the first one to want to know what was going on back at the palace and in the woods while the little ones were missing. Unfortunately, Daeron doesn't know so he can't tell us. I might have to write another story from third person POV and let someone reflect on the turmoil of frightened naneths and a bellowing king. I think Thranduil was beside himself, too, only he was not as likely to show it in the same way as the nanas. I imagine Lalaith as ready to shake the foundations of Arda....with an armed Noreth at her side. And I see the brothers as focused and serious...and frightened, but wholly intent on finding their brothers. Warrior mode kicked in with a vengeance. Anyway that's what I think. The men are quite a mystery. They are like nothing Mirkwood has seen before. Thanks again for such a wonderful and fun review. I got a little carried away answering you. I apologize for my yakkiness, but shoot! I enjoyed writing back to you very much. Karen

Author's reply

The Queen hands a frosted silver julep cup to Maeglin. A snip of fresh mint peeks over the bubbling froth in the cup. "Here, sugah, I made it just the way you like it." She pulls a tapestry footstool over to the sweet elfling and picks his tired dogs up and props them on the stool. "Chile, that elleth has worn the treads right off your boots. You need to rest a spell." I'm so glad you liked this chapter. I don't think most foes only ride black horses and wear black hats either. It's so easy to forget, for the most part, that our enemies are our enemies only by the geography of their births. And we are their enemy. None of this is to mention the propaganda machine. These men had been lied to about the Elves in order to secure their cooperation. Their 'master' had been convinced by someone that the Elves were evil and that they were something less than well...human...you know what I mean. I'm not making any political statement here, but like you said: "Most who die in war somewhere have a real life where they are loved." I hoped to show the men as real people operating under an dark agenda that was probably unknown to them. They had been used to further someone else's goals. The men paid the price of someone else's desires. I really hated for the young man to die, too. I tried to find a way out of it, but I couldn't. I just couldn't see the warriors leaving anyone alive. I am told that in a hostage rescue that there is only one goal--to act swiftly and forcefully to eliminate the threat before the hostages can be harmed. Unfortunately for the men, that required the warriors to take them all out before they could pose any further threat. So, the young man was a goner. I'm glad you like the Dwarves, too. They just sort of popped up in the woods. I think they would be caring about two children being taken. A child is still an innocent no matter who they belong to. I've always thought of the Dwarves as one of the good guys. So they made a few mistakes. Can we all say--kinslaying. Nobody's perfect. I like the 'dull brothers', too. Yeah, Seregon is trying. I think he and Daeron will forge a new relationship after this little escapade. As for Erelas...no matter that the Elves are supposed to be eloquent, he's still a male and solid evidence was what he wanted. :>) Thanks again, my sweet elfling...for everything. So when can we expect a new chapter of the 'Drunken Elleth'? Soon? :>) Kaladriel

Author's reply

Oh, dear! Lalaith is in a tizzy again. "Here sistah, sit down next to Maeglin, and I'll just fetch you one of these nice cooling drinks." I glad to hear you felt a little sympathy for our 'bad guys'. Under any other circumstances, we probably would have liked them. Unfortunately for them, they had been deceived. It's the way of the world. They had been used by someone wishing to further their own agenda. The snake! "The evil he brought is enough to make two Sister Queens spit." I love this line! Yes, fair sistah, it really is. Poor Daeron and his dull knife. Yes, it was something of an automatic response at the time, but I'm sure he'll replay it over and over in his mind. It's a whole different thing to actually plunge a knife into someone than it is to shoot them from a tree. I think the older guys know this and will take care of the little mite. Daeron acted bravely and for that he can be proud. "Tarondor was not the only one in the family who could wield a blade!" Another good line. Yes siree, I think it's a family tradition. Thanks, my sistah in the wood, for all your help and for reading this...again and taking the time to review. :>) Kaladriel

Author's reply

Thanks, hisie lome, for reading and reviewing. I'm apparently having some problems with receiving notices of reviews, and I hope you've not waited too terribly long to hear from me. A friend told me he had reviewed, and if he hadn't mentioned it, I don't know how long it would have been before I knew. I'm so sorry. I'm glad you're enjoying the tale of two busy elflings. Daeron is a fun character to write. I think we all think irreverent thoughts at times, but have more sense than to actually say them. Daeron has enough sense to know who he can say what he thinks to and who he had better toe the line with. Despite his rather sarcastic inner life, he's a good kid that wants to do right...he's just a trouble magnet. Fortunately for him, he has a strong loving family. Two more chapters and we'll lay this baby to rest. I hope you'll enjoy them, too. Thanks again, Karen

Author's reply

Oh, my Lady Sister, The system hath failed us! I received no notice of your (or Maeglin's) review. I'm am deeply regretful for not hurrying to answer. But alas, I did not know until my sweet elfling pointed out this oversight. Pray tell the adorable Mir that the Queen is thinking. Though I shall endeavor to make haste, I am slow witted and must take care where my mind wanders. I shall tell the Ranger that you have left a message for her. I'm so pleased you enjoyed this chapter. I think the little guys, especially Daeron, have a whole new view of their 'dull brothers'. The world is much larger and much more fierce than either of them ever realized. And this strange world is not easily understood. Personally, I love the older brothers. But, from my perspective, I can see what weighs on their shoulders. Legolas and Daeron have been so sheltered, they don't really understand what awaits them in the big wide world. They got a glimpse of the horrors and the confusion that surrounds it. Again, I apologize that I've not responded. I had no idea! Thanks, fair sistah, for reading and reviewing. Kaladriel, Queen of the Southern Realm and the Dr. Pepper Empire.

Author's reply

How shamed I am that I did not know of your review. My advisors shall answer for this insult! I am so pleased you greeted Fluffy and Flouncy with such warmth. Well, Flouncy anyway. The lovely Isilya will be a force to be reckoned with...in her own way. Daeron will never be able to pull anything over on her! She's got his number...and I believe it's tucked safely to her heart. She tells me that you are the finest of death-by-dancing-slipper instructors. She had no idea you could cut a rug the way you do. Many years of practice, I told her. Yes, little Daeron really misses his ada. Thranduil does a fine job of substituting, but it's just not the same as having your very own ada to turn to. Still, I think there is a great deal of love between Thranduil and Daeron. The king not only loves the little squirt like one of his own sons, he loves Daeron because he 'is' his own. The king is very protective of the little ones. As are the older brothers. The little guys are just beginning to figure this all out. I like the thought that a fatherless child would be so loved and mentored by the other males in his family. The females love him with the same intensity, and this is very important, but I think it's important for the little guys to have strong loving males figures, too. Thanks again, my sweet elfling for the review AND for giving me a head's up that you had reviewed. Kaladriel